Back row star Ross Moriarty has revealed the positivity and ‘new feel’ around the Dragons was crucial to his decision to stay at the region.
Wales international Moriarty this week penned a new long-term agreement to remain at Rodney Parade.
And speaking about his reasons to the media this week, the 25-year-old - who has made 17 appearances for Dragons – admitted he was really enjoying the mood around camp and positive approach to the game.
“With Dean (Ryan) coming in, there was a new feel around the place. It was a positive one and that’s what I’m looking for,” he said.
“They have had a lot of negative seasons at the Dragons in the past. But with how this season has gone, everyone can see we are moving in the right direction. We had some good results and I’ve enjoyed it.
“Just going into training after the World Cup, seeing the positivity around the place, had a big influence on me. So it’s nice to get my contract done.
“It’s the approach to training, the positivity around the training ground, not just on the pitch,” he added.
“It makes a hell of a difference in any job if you’ve got a boss who you get on with and you agree with what he wants. That’s going to make everything easier for you.
“Happy off the pitch, happy on the pitch. I think that definitely helped.
“Dean has made a big difference since he joined and he has got me enjoying my rugby again. He says the right things and the training sessions were ones I felt I was getting something out of.
“I was developing different skills and opening up different ways of playing the game, which I enjoyed.
“That’s why I look forward to going into training and playing the matches.”
Moriarty also feels the new style of play at the Dragons also suits his game.
“The way Dean wants to play, it is playing space and play smart,” he said.
“We get to play off 10 quite a lot and with Sam Davies playing as well as he has, it was quite easy to play outside of him.
“When you’ve got a 10 who trusts you as a ball carrier and you trust him to put you in the right holes, that makes everyone’s jobs a lot easier.”
Happy off the pitch, happy on the pitch... I think that definitely helped...
